Gloucestershire Live has reported that the Cherry and Whites have lined up South Africa star Franco Mostert to replace Jeremy Thrush

Thrush, who has won 12 caps for the All Blacks, joined Gloucester from Hurricanes in 2015 and has made over 50 appearances for the club

With doubts also over Argentina international Mariano Galarza’s future, Gloucester are in the market for a top-class lock for next season and look set to pull off a huge coup by signing Mostert.

His contract expires with the Lions at the end of the 2018 Super Rugby season and, although he has reportedly attracted the interest of several Premiership clubs, Gloucester are thought to be the favourites for his signature.